Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a safe and effective method of correcting refractive problems.

There are 2 main methods of laser eye surgery:

1. LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
2. LASEK (PRK) Laser Eye Surgery

The major difference between the two laser eye surgeries is the way that the stroma (the middle layer of the cornea), is exposed before it is vaporized with the laser.

In PRK surgery, the top layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is scraped away to expose the stromal layer underneath.

In LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the stromal layer and the flap is gently folded back.

An Insight Into LASIK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is currently the most frequently performed procedure. It is a highly effective procedure that is suitable for most low, moderate and higher prescriptions. LASIK uses a cool beam of light from the excimer laser to gently reshape the front surface (cornea) of your eye.
The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes and unlike other laser correction techniques, LASIK patients experience less discomfort after the procedure in comparison to PRK. Both eyes can be treated simultaneously.
A significant improvement in vision is commonly experienced within a few hours and most patients are able to return to work after 48 hours. Following treatment your eyes may feel light sensitive, gritty and watery. We recommend that you bring sunglasses with you on the day of treatment. Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a rest.
You will be given light transparent eye shields to take home and wear while sleeping for 5 nights after treatment to provide protection.

The LASIK Procedure

Anaesthetic drops are applied to the eye.

A flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.

Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the inner layers of the cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to correct short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism.
The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.
Some patients are not suitable for LASIK and therefore LASEK may be recommended.

An insight into LASEK (PRK)

LASEK (Laser-Assisted-Epithelial Keratomileusis) is an alternative laser refractive procedure to correct short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism.
LASEK is sometimes referred to as “Epi-LASEK.” It involves removing the top layer of the cornea as a flap-like sheet before re-sculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. The epithelial sheet is then replaced on the surface of the eye and a soft contact lens is inserted for a few days following the surgery.

The LASEK Procedure

Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.
The surface of the outer layer of the cornea is gently moved to the side by the surgeon.
Computer controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the surface layers of the cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The outer cornea layer is re-shaped with the laser to correct short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism.
The surgeon gently replaces the surface layer to its original position.
A bandage contact lens is placed on to the eye.